This has been a journey from discouragement to encouragement. To have a signed agreement in 2015 was in itself a tremendous achievement. When I arrived, the situation of the conflict was grave and the levels of trust and dialogue were at a terrible low point. But now as I leave, we have a Revitalized Agreement in place, and trust is gradually being built among the Parties, and relationships are being repaired. 

But although the 2015 Agreement has been revitalized, there is so much more to do. Signing the Agreement marks only the start of this momentous journey. 

The Agreement has a wide range of provisions and activities designed to atone for the past, prepare for the future and protect as best we can against backsliding. 
The harrowing details of the past must be squarely addressed so that truth, justice and reconciliation can help in national healing to overcome the trauma of what took place. The way forward must be composed of development, sharing, and equitable coexistence so that widespread prosperity and peace can fill the spaces where conflict had deeply hurt.. A permanent written constitution must enshrine South Sudan’s new hopeful future so that the rule of law is given the best chance to take root. 

But the words of the Agreement are one thing. These must be translated into actions as a priority. What progress has there been since the signing on 12 September 2018?

I note with satisfaction that there is demonstrable political leadership in the implementation of this agreement. The National Pre-Transitional Committee (NPTC), a body tasked with coordinating implementation of the agreed pre-transitional activities, has been appointed. This is a welcome development and I hope it can convene immediately and begin its urgent tasks.

All the parties have declared their full commitment to abide by and implement the R-ARCSS and I welcome the on-going confidence building measures taking place notably President Salva Kiir’s 22 September invitation to all opposition leaders to attend peace celebrations in Juba, reconstitution of the CTSAMVM Board and the convening of the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements workshop by CTSAMVM.

However, I also note with sadness and disappointment the incidences of fighting that have been reported in Central Equatoria and Unity in violation of the Permanent Ceasefire. These are under investigation by CTSAMVM.

I know my successor will approach the heavy responsibility of this position with as much honour and commitment as I have, and I wish him or her the best of luck. I have been equally honoured to lead the JMEC team, a tremendously dedicated team drawn from different backgrounds, but united in the common cause of assisting the peace to take root here. 

I know there is deep gratitude for their tireless work, including those who were members of the IGAD Special Envoy’s Task Force. I likewise thank our brothers and sisters in CTSAMVM for their invaluable contributions.

In parting, I wish to make fully clear to all those in positions of responsibility, whoever you may be: the generous spirit of the South Sudanese people who are willing to forgive the past must be comforted by the fruits of peace taking root around them. So starting irrevocably now, the words of the peace agreement must become intentions, and intentions must become actions.

We expect rigorous self-application on the part of the Parties to the terms of the agreement. I encourage JMEC to continue to be a firm friend to South Sudan, one that will speak the truth when needed, and to continue its rigorous monitoring and evaluation of the revitalised Peace Agreement.  

I end by encouraging everyone in this country to summon the spirit of liberty, equality and justice that once liberated this country to now determine its future. I urge you to champion unity in diversity, moving forward in a spirit of partnership and mutual accountability, so that all citizens can live in a future composed of safety and dignity. God bless South Sudan.

The writer is the immediate former Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) and former President of the Republic of Botswana.